Born in 1971, the son of a Judge, Ward's natural talent for portraiture was nurtured while a pupil at Harrow School. After leaving, he gained his first degree at Goldsmiths College followed by an MA at Southampton University in Contemporary Art Theory.

He admits, modestly, that he had 'good breaks' right from the start, particularly in Bermuda where the family moved when Ward Senior became a Supreme Court Judge.

His first solo exhibition there was a runaway success. "My paintings just seemed to walk off the walls", he remembers. "I did another show and the prices went higher and then another one."

Indeed, Bermuda has taken this charming young man to its artistic heart. He exhibits at the country's National Gallery and gets regular commissions from residents and local collectors.

But to gain international recognition, Ward figured that he needed to conquer America. Still only in his mid-twenties, he set off to New York where for five years he was one of millions of artists in search of the big time.

He recalls: "I lived and worked in a disused factory in Brooklyn. I had no bathrooms and had to make do and wash in the studio sink. I built a tree house in the studio to sleep in." I knew that if I didn't make it within a certain amount of time, I wouldn't make it at all so I worked very hard and limited myself to five hours sleep a night for the first three years." and his diligence paid off, his big break coming with the offer of a solo show at prestigious Tatistcheff Gallery on 57th street, " I was about 28 and it was unheard of - someone that age getting a solo show," Ward says.

Critically acclaimed and his star now firmly in the ascendant, Ward returned to Britain where he lives in London with his wife Tracy, and sons Xander and Quinlan.

He now enjoys huge success on both sides of the Atlantic. He was invited to exhibit at Christies in 'A Celebration of Art from Harrow School' alongside other illustrious Old Boys, including Winston Churchill. Afterwards, he was singled out for a BBC interview. In September, he has a solo exhibition at the influential John Mitchell Gallery in London's Old Bond Street.

A self-confessed workaholic, Ward works a 14-hour day yet still manages to teach a weekly Portraiture Masterclass. "I do that because I enjoy it and it keeps my practice sharp, " he says, adding: "Ever since I could remember my name, I've been drawing. It's been my passion, almost like a religion."